“The new program is aimed at those whose financial means make it difficult or impossible to be able to afford to have their pet cats spayed or neutered and are therefore very likely to end up contributing to the population of feral cats,” said Jean Hamilton, the shelter’s spokesperson.

It was the volunteer-run organization’s second attempt at winning the contest. In their previous try, the group didn’t make the top five, let alone the top three – the magical number required to win the $10,000 prize.

The Pepsi Refresh Everything Challenge is an effort by the soft drink company to fund ideas that will help communities. Each month, Pepsi is giving away more than $1 million to 60 ideas that move communities forward. For more information, visit the Pepsi Refresh website, Facebook and Twitter pages.